Alex Mastroianni tags a deer he killed during a morning of bow hunting at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge on a cold rainy day in Alabama, N.Y., on Nov. 1.

Written by

Bill Conners
Poughkeepsie Journal

The regular big game hunting season opens on Saturday, expanding on the Early Archery Season to allow for the use of implements such as muzzleloaders, handguns and shotguns when hunting bear and deer in Dutchess County. Most counties to the north and west also will allow for rifle hunting.

In order to best prepare area hunters before taking to the woods, Journal Outdoors columnist Bill Conners has prepared a primer, including information on how to choose the best type of gun, best-practice tactics and safety tips.The right tool for the job ...